One of the best things about living on Sanibel Island is the ability to be outside year round. Florida’s warm weather allows you to extend your living space beyond the four walls of your home to include the outdoors as well. Keep reading for tips on how to optimize your outdoor living space.
Start with lighting
Having subtle but well-placed lighting outdoors helps blend the indoor with the outdoor, making it feel like an extension of your home. A popular lighting method for outdoor spaces is solar lighting, which you can set up along outdoor paths or gardens to highlight the focal points of your space. Solar lighting also requires minimal to no electrical work, which makes it a quick, easy, and cost-efficient option.
Section off your space
Zoning an outdoor living area isn’t as complicated as it sounds; it can be as simple as adding furniture to a vacant space. Think about what you want to use the space for. Do you want to host outdoor barbecues? Do you want a quiet spot to sit and watch the sunset with your family? A combination of the two? Each section of your space should have a function and be in an appropriate location. For example, it’s usually a good idea to set up the outdoor dining area near the kitchen so it’s easily accessible come mealtime. A lot of people also like their lounge seating separated from the entertaining spaces and facing the sunset if possible.
Add a fire pit
Even in Florida, the nights can be too chilly to spend outside without the warmth of a crackling fire. Adding a fire pit to your space not only adds to its aesthetic appeal and increases value, but it also allows you to get more use out of your space. Now when night falls, instead of going back inside, you and your family can roast marshmallows, grill, or sit and chat in front of the fire, soaking in its warmth.
Try some unconventional seating
Cushioned couches and wooden benches are great staples to have in your outdoor space, but adding a hammock, swing, or funky chair can spice up the area. A hammock is a great place to relax, and it’s easy to install. Hanging a swing or hammock from an existing tree also allows your seating elements to mesh with the surrounding nature, making it feel more cohesive and natural with the landscape.
If you have any questions about the Sanibel, Florida area or local real estate opportunities, contact Phaidra McDermott.